Having looked into this, I edited /opt/retropie/configs/all/retroarch-joypads/Wireless\ Controller.cfg to set input_l2_axis and input_r2_axis and now it works :)

I ended up trading my ps4 controller with a friend that had one that came with her console. Kinda sucked because I really liked the Electric Purple color but I'd rather have a working wireless controller than one that's just a paperweight. I wonder if Sony changed something slightly with their controllers that kept it from connecting to Raspberry OS. I guess this topic can be closed now since it's technically resolved.

@mitu

Yeah, just went through all 4.

Just noticed the light that turns on the ones after connecting the first one is the same that blinks during the bluetooth searching mode.

It worked! Thanks a lot for your help. I updated all the packages and used bluetoothctl. I guess what I did is a very basic stuff but maybe it helps to someone else so I will write down all the commands here.

sudo apt-get update sudo apt-get upgrade sudo bluetoothctl agent on default-agent scan on (now you should open your ds4's bluetooth mode and you will see it in the screen like [NEW] Device MAC_ID_OF_YOUR_DS4 Wireless Controller) connect MAC_ID_OF_YOUR_DS4 trust MAC_ID_OF_YOUR_DS4 exit

I hope this helps more people, and thanks again.

@mitu Nevermind. That worked. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

After hearing the replies I think I will just power it on with the front button.
Thanks for the replies!

@marco981
With pcsx-rearmed you can press escape and the menu is black with white monowidth font.

The lr-pcsx-rearmed is retroarch and has a colored menu gui.

I would try installing and trying the other of which you haven't tried.

If it is pcsx-rearmed then the controls will still need to be mapped. Navigating the menu to do this I think is possible with the controller but perhaps easier with the keyboard, as well the escape button needs to be pressed. In the controls menu, assign the buttons, if you press left and right on this screen it will show you Keyboard/Joystick/All binds. And don't forget to save the config when you're done.

You could also try installing the alternate driver, for sixaxis/playstation. The sixaxis helper driver is newer and allows other controllers to sync and use bluetooth.

@webodan I don't think ES reads the list of Audio cards present in the system - the choices you see now are the default choices.
Try using the instruction from the USB Audio FAQ page.

@mitu

Just deleting the ps3 drivers was enough to stop the notice and let me exit the menu without disconnecting the dualshock4. Thanks so much!

I found this thread that seems to contain the answer: https://retropie.org.uk/forum/topic/17650/dualshock-controllers-on-4-4-with-3b/35

This is exactly what I was looking for and it worked, thanks a lot!

@blerkotron i have got the same issue with the analog sticks using a Sixaxis Controller.
Also works fine with jessie.

Something seems to affect the analog Inputs of Sony Controller when using stretch.

@bland328

Actually, in both cases you'd need an external tool. I use xboxdrv, as outlined in the guide I linked to above. Having analog movement available on the stick comes in handy for everything from 'Marble Madness' to 'Spy Hunter'. It's especially nice in 'Centipede', where you're normally all over the place much too quickly with digital controls.

@dankcushions O thanks that's very helpful. I really had my eyes set on the ps1 styled 20th anniversary ds4 controller, but that color layout is only available as a V1..so that could still be an option. (I prefer wired.)

@meleu That's okay! I've had a few issues specific to the DS4. I guess I'll just roll back to my last SD save.

@mosi0815 thanks for the reply I will test that out soon. It makes perfect sense to me sounds simple enough. Is echo 1 to enable and echo 0 off? Nvm ill try it out tomorrow if I can.